Started building #70362 in 2001 when I was 55 years old. I am finishing up now and should fly before the end of the year. Just applied for Social Security last night on line. Will get my first SS check in January and will be able to use it for gas
dumb question... but how do you know what RV # you have, I'd kinda like to know mine.... Is it the # they engraved on the wing spar?
It's interesting to see the range of starting ages.
That said, don't draw too many conclusions from the poll numbers shown. I would very much suspect that the average age is significantly older--and the age distribution skewed toward the higher end--than is shown by this poll. Older builders are not nearly as likely to view, use, or contribute to internet forums as are younger builders.
Oops, sorry Todd! Actually I was 36 too when I started and (coincidentally) just after I had moved from NW Ohio (Ada/Lima area) to Washington. It worked for me (my wife is still happy I'm building) so you can use me for your argument! Good luck.Please don't tell this to my wife. She thinks that you need to be retired to build an airplane... my response is, the sooner I start, the longer I can enjoy it.
Just showed her the poll #'s tonight and said "see, a lot of builders start younger." (I'm 36 ...sounds older than I feel most days)
Todd
Northwest OH
Working on PPL (Step#1 for me...10 hours logged.)
Started my 6A, #24808 when I was 37 in 1996. First flight was Dec 12 (last month). Raised 2 daughters and made family my priority, but the "project" was my haven when I had a couple of hours. Did everything myself, airframe, panel, ECi kit engine and paint. Only outsourced job was my mother-in-law covered the seat cushions.
16 hrs into phase I testing. Occasionally get withdrawels when I see my wife's van parked in the garage (after 18 years, since I had started a Dragonfly first) Of course this is only on the cold/windy/snowy days as otherwise I'd be out flying!
Can't believe how fortunate I am to have been able to do this!